Malta’s stray cats strut in a lifestyle that is carefree and wild
Malta has a lot of cats roaming in the greener areas of the city. The San Anton Gardens, the University of Malta and the University Residence all have a sizable population of cats. To call these cats stray is a bit of a misnomer unless it is meant with the respect that the Stray Cats gave the lifestyle in their hit song. These cats belong to no one and to everyone. They are, in a sense, communal cats, and while there are signs that say not to feed the cats, it is only because someone is already feeding them.
Rumor has it that there was someone who was killing the cats as a sort of sport. The thought of it spurred the Maltese to take to the streets to find the culprit and to make sure that he or she got what the killer deserved.
This love for cats should not surprise anyone who knows about international shipping and what it has done to other islands. Rats hitching rides on boats have gotten off at islands and decimated local wildlife where there was no predator to take care of them. Malta has always been careful about who comes ashore and when. Back in the time of the corsairs, it was not uncommon for a ship and its crew to have to wait a week before being allowed onto the island proper.
That may not be the reason behind the Maltese respect for cats, but it makes sense to have cats in a place where the international shipping lanes have crossed each other for thousands of years. While many of the cats are wary of humans, they are not feral. There are several that will engage with humans, especially those who are looking to pet them.
Rumor has it that there was someone who was killing the cats as a sort of sport. The thought of it spurred the Maltese to take to the streets to find the culprit and to make sure that he or she got what the killer deserved.
This love for cats should not surprise anyone who knows about international shipping and what it has done to other islands. Rats hitching rides on boats have gotten off at islands and decimated local wildlife where there was no predator to take care of them. Malta has always been careful about who comes ashore and when. Back in the time of the corsairs, it was not uncommon for a ship and its crew to have to wait a week before being allowed onto the island proper.
That may not be the reason behind the Maltese respect for cats, but it makes sense to have cats in a place where the international shipping lanes have crossed each other for thousands of years. While many of the cats are wary of humans, they are not feral. There are several that will engage with humans, especially those who are looking to pet them.